Robert Meadows - Patient Testimonial

Robert Meadows was a very active individual who worked full-time and enjoyed woodworking in his workshop in his spare time. On July 27, he came to the Emergency Room at East Alabama Medical Center with a stroke causing expressive aphasia and left-sided weakness.

While he was in acute care, Meadows’ symptoms worsened, and he experienced a fall. He then required the assistance of two therapists to walk 10 feet with a platform walker and required assistance with all transfers and basic self-care activities.

He had no use of his left arm and had to have his left leg moved for him in his hospital bed. He was at high risk for falls due to his toe dragging when he tried to take steps. “There was no way I could have gone home from the hospital,” says Meadows, reflecting on that low point in his hospital stay.

Meadows was determined from day one of beginning his rehab journey at EAMC-Lanier Acute Rehab Unit to make progress. He worked extremely hard during both his physical and occupational therapy sessions. By the end of his rehab stay, he was able to perform all of his self-care without any physical assistance. He was also able to progress to the point of walking over 100 feet on his own using a hemi walker, climbing up and down stairs, and getting in and out of a car.

Looking back on his stay, Meadows said that he saw steady improvement each day. “I absolutely recommend the EAMC-Lanier Acute Rehab Unit! Every therapist I have met is very dedicated and if you put forth the effort, they’ll get you through it.”

Meadows is looking forward to continuing his therapy journey with home health and outpatient therapy after going home to his wife.